The bigger they are the harder they fall, or at least that's how the saying goes. It could also be said that the stronger they are the harder their fall is to take. How does a strong man admit when he is just plain scared, of failure that is. Failure in business is one thing, impersonal usually, but failure in marriage is definitely personal. Ferrarella's latest installment in this series touches your heart in many ways. Her people are so vulnerable and yet no wimps here.

It is just easier to close off your heart then to invite more hurt. Having been unceremoniously left by his wife hurt Asher Fortune. But the real hurt was her alleged reason for abandoning him and their four year old son Jace. She didn't want to be a mother. Asher knew he had played a large part in forming that little family of his. His wife had no desired to even keep the baby but his will prevailed, luckily. Jace was the absolute center of Asher's universe and now with his wife's defection he was Jace's world.

Their world was tethering precariously on the edge with problems that Asher couldn't get a handle on. That was a rather interesting self discovery since this former high powered executive was himself a force of nature. If anything he tended to be too in charge. Funny when you see how off kilter his life had become. He needed help even if he was reluctant to admit that to anyone, especially his family.

Luckily his path crosses with Marnie, child care person extraordinaire. Marnie had a habit, not one that she was proud of but certainly one that dogged her entire life. She took care of strays. Well it was just that her heart wouldn't let her turn her back on someone who needed her. And unfortunately her past showed that her heart often won over her head in matters of caring for her strays. Her mother was very and vocally concerned that if Marnie got involved with helping Asher care for Jace her heart would once again be broken.

Asher and Marnie worked well together keeping Jace's life happy and secure. One of them definitely lead by her heart while one lead by his head. Marnie was determined to keep her distance from this little broken family. Asher was also fighting a battle against the heat between the two of them. But there was a precocious little four year old whose heart was made up. He knew what he wanted. So watch out Asher and Marnie, you don't stand a chance.

Kids are the stars of some of my favorite books and in A SMALL FORTUNE Ferrarella introduces us to an adorable, sharp kid who will win your heart. This is a great addition to the Fortunes of Texas:Southern Invasions series. Even though this is essentially Asher, Marnie and Jace's story we are reminded that the Fortunes family has some personal issues still unresolved.